Cereal Chem 47:273 - 281.  |  VIEW ARTICLE
Direct Starch Analysis Using DMSO Solubilization and Glucoamylase.

R. A. Libby. Copyright 1970 by the American Association of Cereal Chemists, Inc. 

A new enzyme-based method for the direct analysis of corn, wheat, and potato starch and wheat flour is described which employs dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to dissolve the sample. Quantitative enzymatic hydrolysis is performed in the DMSO-citrate buffer solvent, and the glucose produced is measured either by an automated colorimetric technique or by a glucose oxidase technique. The solubilization method avoids starch degradation, and glucoamylase allows quantitative conversion to glucose. The sample in mg. quantities is dissolved in warm DMSO. The conditions for optimum glucoamylolysis in this solvent are described. A technique for measuring the reducing sugars or only glucose present before enzymatic hydrolysis is also described. Comparative data relating this technique to polarimetric and gravimetric methods of starch analysis are discussed.